The connection between mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness in America is undeniably complex. People dealing with mental health problems may turn to substances as a form of self-medication, increasing their risk of addiction. As substance use rises, it can lead to financial hardship, job loss, and broken relationships — all of which raise the chances of ending up unhoused. Conversely, the harsh and often traumatic conditions of homelessness can worsen existing men

Author Wes Arnett outlines Five Ways Working with a Recovery Coach Can Be Helpful. He shares that he is in recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges and is passionate about offering hope and inspiration to those in recovery or exploring recovery. He supports multiple pathways of recovery as he walks alongside his peers and advocates for a profession that profoundly impacts individuals in our community.

Author Dr. Saba Riaz will explore how trauma and emotional stress from early life experiences can disrupt the neurochemical balance in the brain. According to Dr. Riaz, “Addiction strongly affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood, reward, and impulse control. Chronic stress and trauma cause changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that create a biochemical environment that increases the probability of addiction.”

Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional. Pain is a natural part of life, but it does not have to rule it. Our thoughts and perceptions about pain cause suffering. People needlessly suffer for many years with substance abuse addiction. Unfortunate events, problems, and disappointments are the first arrows that cause pain. The second arrow may be self-deprecating thoughts, self-blame, or getting down on yourself. The key is not to grab a substance, alcohol, or drugs to heal t

In Part I of The Power Of Recovery, Chad shared how his addiction began and what changed his life.  In Part II, Chad will share details about his present life and ongoing recovery. His wife, Christy, will share her life story and the factors that brought them together. 

The Power of Recovery is rooted in the life story of our co-author, Chad Perdue, as he faced his substance use disorder.

Effective treatment of addiction is paramount to saving lives. We must collectively strive to end the opioid crisis in America.

Effective treatment isn't about adhering to a single methodology - it's about meeting clients where they are and crafting approaches that ..

Regrettably, substance abuse in older adults is becoming an increasing public health issue. The overdose crisis has spared no one.

When you are in substance use recovery, you need a supportive community to surround, challenge, encourage, and bolster you.

I am truly privileged to have Joudy Ghata as my co-author for this issue. She bravely surmounted devastating family trauma.

Lessons Learned is a New Vital Voyage Series. For our readership, this next series is for all of us to reflect on lessons learned.